Cased caddis (Alloecentrella)

Taxonomic group

Helicophidae: Alloecentrella

Diagnostic features

Alloecentrella caddis larvae construct a mobile case covered in bits of moss or liverwort. The opening at the tail end of the case is longer than wide. The front edge of the pronotum (first segment behind the head) has a fringe of long black hairs.

[Alloecentrella]. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Alloecentrella. Image: Stephen Moore

[Alloecentrella]. Long black hairs on the pronotum. Image: Stephen Moore Image — Alloecentrella. Long black hairs on the pronotum. Image: Stephen Moore

Typical habitats

Alloecentrella larvae are infrequently recorded, but they can be common in some bush-covered mossy streams.

Feeding

They are likely to be “collector-gatherers”, feeding on a range of organic matter accumulating on stream beds.

Indicator value

Hard bottom: 9
Soft bottom: unassigned

The tolerance values (ranging from 0 to 10) give an indication of which are the sensitive taxa (values of 8 or more) and which are the tolerant taxa (values of 3 or less). For more information see: Indicator species

Alloecentrella larvae are usually found in bush covered streams with good water quality. They have a high tolerance value of 9 for hard bottom sites (there is no value for soft bottom sites).